ICPC Clarifies Access Protocol Over El-Rufai Detention Controversy
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dismissed allegations that it denied former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai, access to food and family members while in custody at its Abuja headquarters.
Speaking during a media briefing on Monday, the Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Communications, J. Okor Odey, said claims circulating online since Friday, May 15, 2026, were “false and misleading.”
According to the Commission, the controversy followed a Hausa-language video interview in which a woman identified as one of el-Rufai’s wives alleged that she was denied entry into the ICPC headquarters around 7:00 p.m. while attempting to deliver food to her husband.
She also alleged that the anti-graft agency violated a court order granting family access to the former governor and denied him food.
However, the ICPC said its access control policy, which allows visitors between 9:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., is a long-standing institutional procedure that applies to all detainees and visitors.
“The families of all defendants and suspects in ICPC custody, including the family in question, were duly informed of this protocol and had complied with it before this incident,” Odey stated.
The Commission further disclosed that on the day in question, one of el-Rufai’s wives and a housemaid were allowed to bring food to him on at least three occasions between 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
It added that the visits were properly documented in the official visitor register.
According to the ICPC, the woman involved in the viral video admitted that she arrived at the premises around 7:00 p.m., which was 30 minutes after the close of the approved visiting period.
The anti-corruption agency also pointed out that she acknowledged in the same interview that she had earlier delivered breakfast and lunch to the former governor, contradicting claims that he was denied food.
The Commission stressed that authorised visitors, including family members, lawyers, and medical personnel, are permitted access during approved hours under supervised conditions.
On allegations that medical personnel were denied access to el-Rufai, the ICPC explained that officials only requested proper identification and confirmation from the detainee before granting access, describing the move as a standard security measure.
The Commission revealed that el-Rufai had previously been allowed to visit both his dentist and eye doctor under official supervision, in addition to having access to the agency’s in-house medical facilities.
Describing el-Rufai as a “high-profile politically exposed person,” the ICPC said enhanced security measures were necessary for his safety and the safety of others in custody.
The Commission also expressed concern that the controversial visit was carried out in the presence of media personnel outside approved visiting hours, accusing some individuals of attempting to create “dramatised narratives” to pressure the agency into violating its procedures.
“The ICPC remains focused on its mandate and will not compromise its security protocols under any circumstances,” the statement added.
The anti-graft agency reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, human dignity, and equal application of regulations to all individuals regardless of status or political affiliation.
